Steve Bannon, host of the WarRoom program, former White House Chief Strategist, and determined advocate of President Donald Trump's populist movement, expressed his strong disapproval of Republican influencers Paul Ryan and Kevin McCarthy on Wednesday. Bannon advocated for McCarthy and Ryan to be sidelined, citing compelling reasons to debunk their “Rising Star” status and instead- highlight their obsolescence.

Bannon sees Ryan and McCarthy as symbols of the GOP's crusty old guard, disconnected from its base. He challenged the “Young Guns” legacy, which includes McCarthy, Ryan and Eric Cantor, as emblematic of leadership that has prioritized personal gain over genuine representation.

“They've had their turn and made a good living,” Bannon asserted, arguing that the old leadership has failed to address the critical needs and aspirations of the grassroots and to prioritize the longevity of the Republic.

Bannon's blistery critique occurs during the national discussion about the two former Speakers. His anger appears to be rooted in his belief that Ryan and McCarthy represent the “RINO” GOP establishment, which he sees as undermining the America First, populist agenda championed by Trump.

Bannon took a moment to highlight the WarRoom platform's steadfast support for Trump, emphasizing its role as a space where supporters could voice their disagreements openly- Because Bannon has a dispute with Ryan and McCarthy and a conflict with the people supporting those two self-serving- troublemakers.

“This audience, and this platform, have been with Trump from the start,” Bannon noted, highlighting the show's commitment to unflinching support and constructive critique when necessary.

Bannon's criticism of Ryan is especially pronounced. As far back as 2016, he accused Ryan of abandoning Trump at critical moments. Bannon has publicly criticized Ryan, stating, “Ryan couldn't wait to jump ship when the going got tough for Trump's candidacy.” This sentiment extends to McCarthy, whom Bannon views as part of the same establishment cohort that failed to support Trump during his presidency.

For Bannon, Ryan and McCarthy's alignment with the Republican establishment threatens the populist cause. He has lambasted their connections to “the lobbyists on K Street,” suggesting that their priorities are aligned with corporate interests rather than the grassroots movement Bannon and Trump have fought to build at considerable personal and political cost.

Bannon's assessment of Ryan and McCarthy includes allegations of political cowardice and a fixation on self-preservation over principle. He argues that their actions are motivated by a desire to maintain their political positions rather than to champion issues aligned with Trump's populist platform, which are also for the public good.

Bannon is exasperated not only by McCarthy and Ryan but by the support he sees given from others who are leaning into the same RINO establishment.   Bannon warns that backing figures associated with the anti-Trump group dilute the GOP's commitment to the agenda that propelled Trump to power in 2016.

Talking about a Tuesday GOP primary in Virginia where one candidate was supported by McCarthy, Bannon highlighted a divide among Trump supporters over the primary candidates, which the media is elevating.

“The majority of voters in the recent Virginia primary are Trump supporters. A hundred or 99.999 percent of them are Trump supporters,” Bannon asserted, challenging media narratives that seek to undermine the base's loyalty to Trump.

Bannon then turned his attention to the disputes and disagreements of the House Freedom Caucus, of which Bob Good, the other primary candidate, is a member.  Good had battled over McCarthy's previous leadership. Bannon connected McCarthy's disastrous leadership decisions to the Tuesday Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report, which revealed a shocking two-trillion-dollar deficit.

“God seems to be sending us a message,” Bannon remarked, suggesting divine intervention in the timing of the deficit report and the Virginia vote to remind everyone of McCarthy's actions.

Highlighting the political dynamics within the GOP over these two differing ideas of leadership and fiduciary obligations to the people, Bannon pointed out that 50% of Trump loyalists opposed McCarthy’s endorsed candidate in the Virginia primary, reflecting McCarthy's waning influence.

“He's so toxic that 50 percent of the most loyal Trump followers voted against his endorsement,” Bannon explained, painting McCarthy as a divisive figure even among Trump's supporters.

And the media continues to elevate Ryan, allowing him to call Trump names and dispirit Trump supporters.

Despite his departure from Congress, Bannon also criticized Ryan's ongoing influence through Fox News. “Why is he on the board of directors of a publicly traded company? When has a board member ever trashed a party's nominee?” Bannon questioned Ryan's role on Fox News’ board and its potential impact on the network's coverage of Trump.

Watch a clip:

Steve Bannon goes OFF on Paul Ryan and his COWARDLY character. pic.twitter.com/QTxT9LtlGe

— VISH BURRA 🏴‍☠️ (@VishBurra) June 19, 2024

Bannon's critique of Ryan and McCarthy reflects a deep-seated belief that the Republican Party must more closely align with Trump's populist agenda to remain relevant and effective in American politics.

His bold and heated criticism is a stark reminder of the battle between establishment GOP figures and advocates of a more populist, nationalist approach.

For more context, watch the full WarRoom segment with Bannon's comments.